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By Eamon Storer

I Wrote Every Day on Medium for 100 days. Here’s What I Learned

By Eamon on

I never thought I would be able to do it but here we are. I wrote for 100 days on Medium and this is the takeaways I’ve gotten.

Your Posts Rarely Land How You Think They Will

I’d always heard YouTubers discussing how the posts they enjoyed and thought others would love to get little to no attention and the less meaningful low-quality ones would do great.

I thought this was just some sort of failure on the creator’s part but it really is true.

It’s brutal but the reality is not everyone will love the work you love, it’s all a matter of taste.

So the notion that if you write amazing writing you will see amazing numbers is completely false.

Don’t Get Held up on the Numbers

I know, it’s very hard not to check your Medium statistics every 30 minutes but it’s necessary.

When I posted my first 10 pieces I checked the statistics religiously and I found that the more I focused on the numbers the less fun it became.

Writing is a means of enjoyment not just a David Goggins grind for 30 hours a day for great engagement.

Write what you enjoy and your audience will find you.

Consistency Over Quality

For your first 100 days of writing, I highly recommend picking a frequency of post output and sticking to it.

Don’t get held up on how reading your sentence should feel, just write the damn thing and move on.

You’ll find that if you write more, you get better at writing.

So it only makes sense to write more and practice the art of finishing things then getting tied up in one article that will most likely break your heart with the engagement it gets.

When you’re beginning writing you just have to write.

No one is watching, no one is waiting but everyone can be impressed.

If you stick to posting every day for months and months your credibility, respect, and skills WILL skyrocket.

You Don’t Need to Feel Like Writing to Write!

In the first 20 days of writing a post every day my motivation was failing me, I didn’t feel like writing.

But you know what I did, I WROTE.

Writing is very hard and painful to do as a beginner, but having written, and having a library of ideas you’ve worked on is incredibly more satisfying.

You need to offset the pain of writing when you’re not motivated by the pleasure of pressing publish on another successful post.

Motivation is a lie.

We think of motivation as a gift given from God, we are unmotivated one moment, and then boom a lightning bolt hits you straight in the chest and you’ve written eight chapters of your book.

This is the exact opposite of the truth.

You get motivated by taking action.

I wanna repeat that for those in the back.

You get motivated by taking action

This mindset shift for me was incredible because every time I didn’t feel like writing on Medium, I wrote on Medium.

Incredibly I became motivated to write.

So focus on getting writing even when you don’t feel like it.

Ideas Come From Ideas

The biggest worry for me in committing to writing every day was where I would get so many post ideas from.

What I discovered was that ideas often find themselves.

When you are paying attention and actively looking for things to write about, ideas WILL come to you.

It has something to do with how your brain processes information that when you choose to pay attention you see things you normally don’t.

Similarly, when you’re writing your brain comes up with more ideas for different things.

Most people ignore them and keep going with the idea they started with.

Although this is important it is more important to capture those rouge ideas in some way.

I have a pocket notebook that has pages and pages of ideas to write about or topics to explore, I need only flick through this book and get extremely inspired.

So generate ideas through paying attention and working through your ideas.

You never know what could show up.

In the end . . .

I don’t regret my writing one bit and I hope in some way this post has inspired you to write more as a beginner or just keep writing as a seasoned creative.

May your words flow with ease and your ideas be plenty.

Happy Writing 🙂

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The Subtle Power of Unseen Horror

The Subtle Power of Unseen Horror

By Eamon on

It’s not the things you see in horror that terrify you it’s usually the things you can’t, what’s hidden from the audience, the power of unseen horror.

This short post will explain the method of unseen horror and how to do it well.

Exploring the Power of the Unseen

When it comes to crafting subtle horror and suspense, one of the most potent tools in a writer’s arsenal is the power of suggestion.

Leaving horror elements to readers taps into primal fear, lurking beyond narrative shadows.

Readers fill gaps with fears, creating unsettling experiences lingering beyond story’s end.

Utilizing suggestive language, symbolism, and metaphor can further enhance the sense of unease and uncertainty.

Literary devices hint at horror without explicit description, leaving room for interpretation and speculation.

Weaving subtle clues builds tension, keeping readers on edge until the story’s conclusion.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere plays a crucial role in setting the stage for subtle horror.

Crafting mood and tone creates pervasive foreboding throughout the story.

The right atmosphere, like a decrepit mansion or a misty forest, intensifies dread, drawing readers in.

Characters

Character-driven fear adds another layer of complexity to subtle horror stories.

By exploring the internal conflicts, psychological traumas, and unreliable perceptions of their characters, writers can intensify the sense of unease and uncertainty.

Uncertainty about trusting the narrator blurs reality, heightening suspense and intrigue.

Supernatural

Finally, the supernatural can be a powerful tool for crafting subtle horror, but it’s essential to maintain a sense of ambiguity.

By hinting at the existence of otherworldly forces or paranormal phenomena without fully revealing them, writers can keep readers guessing and maintain a sense of mystery.

This delicate balance between the known and the unknown is what makes subtle horror so effective, leaving readers haunted by the things they can’t quite see or understand.

In essence, writing the unseen is about tapping into the darkest recesses of the imagination, where fear and uncertainty reign supreme.

By leaving elements of horror to the reader’s imagination, employing suggestive language and symbolism, crafting tension through the atmosphere and character-driven fear, and hinting at the supernatural while maintaining ambiguity, writers can create stories that linger in the mind long after they’ve been read.

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Believable Worldbuilding: Tips for Crafting Fictional Worlds

Believable Worldbuilding: Tips for Crafting Fictional Worlds

By Eamon on

Nothing is more enjoyable as a reader to be whisked into a magical world that is incredibly interesting and believable, done through incredible worldbuilding.

One of the most important things you can focus on in your story is its setting.

A well-crafted setting in sci-fi and fantasy contributes to the overall narrative, atmosphere, and reader immersion.

From the likes of Middle Earth from Lord of the Rings to the world of Pandora from Avatar building immersive worlds for your narrative can be done.

Understanding Setting

The setting is the time and place where your story is told.

This gives us the two most important aspects to focus on when writing.

Time.

and

Place.

The time your story is set determines the language, ethics, morals, beliefs, and values of your society.

A story set place in 1692 Salem Massachusetts will have very different morals than a story in the present.

Your place determines largely the challenges your characters face in their journey.

If your setting is in a large underground cave system you are going to encounter different problems than a story taking place in a jungle.

It doesn’t matter where you place your story just that it’s consistent.

Establishing Internal Consistency

There are only 3 rules in worldbuilding.

Rule 1. Maintain Internal Consistency

Rule 2. Maintain Internal Consistency

Rule 3. Maintain internal consistency

There seems to be a trend in those rules.

It doesn’t matter what magic systems or fantastical creatures you conjure if there is no consistency with events in your setting the whole show falls apart.

This means you NEED to have rules, logic, and coherence in the elements of the setting, such as magic systems or futuristic technologies.

The great thing about this is that being confined to certain rules in your world allows for MORE creativity not less.

Creating your rules and throwing your characters into trouble allows you to find interesting and unique solutions to their problems that make sense and are incredibly satisfying.

Your readers are incredibly attentive they know if your logic is not consistent, and an inconsistent writer makes for an uninterested reader.

Worldbuilding Foundations

Worldbuilding is akin to laying the foundation of a grand structure; it requires meticulous planning and attention to detail. Let’s delve into the fundamental steps of world-building:

Exploring the Process

To embark on your world-building journey, start from the ground up.

Visualize the landscapes, cities, and terrains that will form the backdrop of your story.

Consider the geography of your world—rugged mountains, sprawling plains, or vast oceans—that not only feel authentic but also serve the narrative.

Creating Authentic Maps and Landscapes

Maps are invaluable tools for both writers and readers, providing a visual guide to the world you’ve created.

Craft detailed maps that showcase the geography of your fictional realm, from towering mountain ranges to labyrinthine forests.

Pay attention to scale and detail, ensuring that your landscapes are not only believable but also immersive.

Considering Cultural and Historical Elements

A world is not merely defined by its physical features but also by its cultural, historical, and societal aspects.

Delve into the rich tapestry of your world’s culture, exploring its traditions, languages, and belief systems.

Consider the history that has shaped your world, from ancient legends to recent conflicts, and how these events continue to influence the present.

By laying a strong foundation rooted in geography, culture, and history, you’ll create a world that not only captivates readers but also feels vivid and alive.

So, grab your metaphorical shovel and start worldbuilding—the possibilities are endless!

In Conclusion . . .

Crafting immersive fantasy and science fiction settings is an art form that requires creativity, attention to detail, and a dash of imagination.

  • Stay Consistent: Maintain internal consistency within your world, ensuring that its elements adhere to established rules and logic.
  • Build from the Ground Up: Start with the basics—maps, landscapes, and geography—to lay a solid foundation for your world.
  • Infuse Culture and History: Dive into the cultural, historical, and societal aspects of your world to add depth and richness to the narrative.

Now, armed with these insights, I encourage fellow writers to embark on their own world-building adventures.

Don’t be afraid to push the boundaries of imagination, experiment with unique concepts, and explore uncharted territories.

Remember, world-building is not just a task; it’s an opportunity to unleash your creativity and transport readers to new and captivating realms.

As we bid farewell, I invite you, dear readers, to join the conversation.

Share your experiences, challenges, and triumphs in world-building.

Do you have any tips or techniques that have helped you craft immersive settings?

Let’s continue to learn and grow together as we journey through the boundless realms of fiction.

Until next time, may your worlds be as vibrant as your imagination allows. Happy writing! 🌟

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Exploration Through Writing: How to Express Yourself Writing

Exploration Through Writing: How to Express Yourself Writing

By Eamon on

The reason I began writing horror fiction was to engage in an exploration to my terror safely and healthily.

Being diagnosed with a psychotic disorder at that time of my life I had very little control over what I thought and experienced, writing was the means of taking back that control.

For many writers all around the world, writing isn’t just a form of self-expression but a way to explore their own situation.

Fiction writing is an excellent tool for this.

I want to share with you how you can use writing to navigate personal situations, and identity and foster self-discovery.

Writing as Reflection

The great thing about writing is it’s an experience-driven process.

You experience your character’s journey emotionally so your readers can connect with the characters and also you.

This means you can have your characters explore things you aren’t comfortable with yourself.

Your characters reflect you; their actions mirror aspects of yourself.

Writing mirrors our souls, fostering self-reflection.

It’s quite therapeutic to see yourself reflected in fictional worlds, it’s empowering.

Creating Expression and Emotional Processing

Similarly, writing allows you to explore complex emotions in a safe space.

In the realm of fiction writing, individuals find a sanctuary to delve into the depths of their emotions freely.

Writers express emotions through characters, settings, and stories, free from judgment or consequence.

Fictional storytelling isn’t just entertainment; it’s a powerful tool for emotional healing and catharsis.

Incorporating personal struggles into fiction offers solace, shared experiences, and deeper self-understanding for writers.

Through the act of storytelling, individuals can transform pain into power, finding strength and resilience in the creative process.

Finding Meaning and Insight

Writing fiction is not merely an act of creation; it is also a journey of self-exploration and discovery.

Writers exploring imagination discover hidden truths about themselves and the world.

Writing fiction is reflective, bringing clarity and self-understanding to writers, enriching both process and personal insight.

Through the lens of fiction, writers gain a new perspective on their own personal identity and life experiences.

By exploring themes of identity, belonging, and purpose through fictional narratives, writers can gain clarity and insight into their own journey of self-discovery.

Fictional storytelling offers a unique vantage point from which to examine and interpret personal experiences, allowing writers to make sense of their lives and find meaning in the stories they tell.

In Conclusion . . .

Fiction writing provides a safe space for expressing complex emotions, processing personal experiences, and shaping personal narratives, ultimately leading to greater self-awareness and understanding.

As you continue on your own journey of personal identity and self-discovery, I encourage you to embrace writing as a valuable tool for exploration and growth.

Whether through journaling, creative writing, or storytelling, writing offers a unique opportunity to delve into the depths of your imagination and uncover new aspects of yourself.

Embrace the freedom and creativity that writing provides, and allow yourself to navigate the twists and turns of your personal narrative with courage and curiosity.

Remember that writing is not just about telling stories—it’s about discovering who you are and embracing the journey of self-discovery with open arms.

Happy Writing 🙂

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The Art of Subtext: Creating Meaning Through the Hidden

The Art of Subtext: Creating Meaning Through the Hidden

By Eamon on

95% of your life is governed by the subconscious.

Almost half of the things you communicate are done so through non-verbal ways.

The undertones and ‘hidden’ parts of our human experience happen to be the most influential.

The same applies to our writing, there is an underlying meaning or message that exists underneath the surface of the text but largely determines the fate of the characters.

Subtext is the unspoken but ever-influential part of your writing that needs to be understood.

Understanding Subtext

In your writing, there are 2 forms of meaning.

Text and Subtext.

The sensory parts of your story and the way the characters interact with each other are the text, the explicitly stated.

Subtext however is the unspoken thoughts, feelings, and motivations of characters, subtly woven into the narrative to add depth and complexity to the story.

By layering subtle cues and hints throughout the text, writers can invite readers to engage more deeply with the narrative, encouraging them to read between the lines and uncover hidden meanings.

Mastering the art of the hidden enables writers to create narratives that resonate on a deeper emotional level and linger in the minds of readers long after they’ve turned the final page.

Techniques for Creating Subtext

Implicit Dialogue and Nonverbal Cues

Incorporating implicit dialogue and nonverbal cues is a powerful technique for conveying meaning in writing.

Through subtle gestures, facial expressions, and actions, characters can communicate their true thoughts and emotions without explicitly stating them.

This adds layers of complexity to interactions, allowing readers to decipher hidden meanings and insights into characters’ motivations.

Symbolism and Metaphor

Symbolism and metaphor are indispensable tools for crafting subtext-rich narratives.

By imbuing objects, settings, and events with deeper symbolic meaning, writers can convey complex ideas and themes in a subtle yet impactful manner.

Symbolism invites readers to explore beyond the surface of the text, unraveling layers of metaphorical significance that enhance their understanding and appreciation of the story.

Incorporating Subtext into Your Writing

Tips for Integrating Subtext Seamlessly into Your Narrative

Integrating subtext seamlessly into your narrative requires finesse and attention to detail.

Begin by establishing clear character motivations and relationships, then layer subtext throughout dialogue, actions, and descriptions.

Show, don’t tell, allowing readers to infer deeper meanings from the context and subtext-rich interactions between characters.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Using Subtext

While subtext can enhance storytelling, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can undermine its effectiveness.

Be cautious of over-explaining or heavy-handed symbolism, as this can diminish the impact of subtext and risk alienating readers.

Additionally, ensure consistency in character behavior and subtextual cues to maintain narrative coherence and authenticity.

By steering clear of these pitfalls, you can harness the full potential of subtext to enrich your writing and captivate your audience.

In Conclusion . . .

As you continue on your writing journey, I encourage you to embrace the art of the hidden and explore its potential in your own work.

Practice incorporating implicit dialogue, nonverbal cues, symbolism, and metaphor to infuse your writing with layers of depth and complexity.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and push the boundaries of the hidden, as it is through trial and exploration that we grow as writers.

With dedication and perseverance, mastering the art of subtext can elevate your storytelling to new heights, captivating readers and leaving a lasting impression.

Happy Writing 🙂

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Writing With Purpose: Crafting Resonant Stories

Writing With Purpose: Crafting Resonant Stories

By Eamon on

Without your purpose you have nothing.

He who has a why to live can bear almost any how

-Friedrich Nietzsche

The motivation you feel for a project and the way your audience responds to that project is how in touch is your writing with a higher purpose.

Of course, you can write a story about goofy characters doing weird things but if you want to create a deeply resinating story you MUST write with purpose.

Writing With Purpose

To write with purpose is to write from a space of deep truth.

When you align your story with a belief of yours or an experience you had, the emotions and the truth of the situation come across incredibly strongly.

That’s all we want from our writing, in the end, to inspire change and provoke thought.

Identifying Your Message

Themes.

It’s a scary thing to think about, bringing up all sorts of memories of school, analyzing books for meanings that you’re sure the author never intended.

That’s the awesome thing though, it is really up to the reader.

You can write with a direction in mind but your writing means what your reader thinks it does.

So don’t stress about your themes because most likely they will be misunderstood.

Decide on a theme or message you would like to convey and go from there.

The best themes are things that resonate with your soul.

Things that excite your values and beliefs.

Crafting Compelling Narratives

Characters and plots serve as vehicles for conveying your message to readers.

By developing characters with depth, complexity, and relatability, you can create a connection that resonates with your audience.

Similarly, crafting plots that are tightly woven and thematically aligned with your message ensures a cohesive and impactful narrative experience.

Storytelling is an art form that goes beyond mere plot and character development.

By employing techniques such as foreshadowing, symbolism, and dramatic irony, you can engage readers on multiple levels, drawing them into your narrative and prompting deeper reflection.

Whether through vivid descriptions, poignant dialogue, or well-timed plot twists, these techniques help create an immersive and thought-provoking reading experience.

Inspiring Action and Change

As writers, we have a responsibility to provoke thought and introspection in our readers.

Encourage your audience to delve deeper into the themes presented in your writing, prompting them to consider how these ideas relate to their own lives and the world around them.

Take your message beyond the page by providing readers with resources or calls to action that align with the themes of your writing.

Whether it’s directing them to relevant organizations, suggesting further reading material, or encouraging participation in community initiatives, empower your audience to translate inspiration into action.

In Conclusion . . .

In conclusion, writing with purpose is not just about crafting compelling narratives; it’s about using our voices to make a difference in the world.

As writers, let us embrace our role as catalysts for change, using our craft to inspire, educate, and advocate for a better world.

Let us continue to write with purpose, knowing that our words have the potential to leave a lasting impact on hearts, minds, and communities.

Happy Writing 🙂

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The Most Valuable Writing Habit

The Most Valuable Writing Habit

By Eamon on

No one starts off by being excellent at writing, they learn what people want.

The worst thing about writing is how easy it is to fall into similar ways of thinking, becoming direct copies of other media.

I’ve noticed this mainly in scary monsters in popular media.

As of the last 10 years, there has been one movie creature design that just keeps happening again and again.

It’s the creatures from A Quiet Place, the Demogorgan from Stranger Things. The long limbed gangly grey monster.

Although it’s done well, it’s done too much.

I want to see more unique creature designs in entertainment.

The Beginners Mindset

The reason beginning writing is often not very good is because the writer doesn’t know the rules.

They don’t know how a story flows, how to create meaningful dialogue, or what makes a bad idea.

This is both a blessing and a curse.

The thing about beginner writers I’ve found is their ideas are more interesting they just don’t know how to write them.

This makes sense because who among the human race has the most out-there ideas?

Children.

They come up with the craziest ideas because they have no screen through which they pass their creativity through.

This is why we want to foster the beginner’s mindset.

To create truly revolutionary ideas you NEED to step back and look outside how the world expects you to behave.

Limiting Expectations

In my writing practice, I optimize for the beginner’s mindset in my entire waking hours.

There are 3 main ways I and you too can adopt a beginner’s mindset and write truly interesting things.

1. Find What You Like

The biggest problem your writing is falling flat is you don’t enjoy what you’re writing.

An unenthusiastic writer makes for an uninteresting read.

I make sure I only write what interests me.

This is when I watch a movie or read some writing I take some time to write down what excited me about the story, what didn’t, and what I would have liked to see that I didn’t.

Eventually, after a while, you have an extensive collection of what you like and how you like it done. This collection acts as a file for you to look through and pick out anything that you can write about, that also is deeply interesting for you.

2. Let Your Writing Simmer

This may sound disconnected but I think video games are extremely valuable for your writing.

I’m not talking about games like Tetris, Call of Duty, or The Legend of Zelda but sandboxes like Minecraft that force you to make your own ideas.

I think games like Minecraft are so valuable for the creative process because not only do they let you take a break from your writing but they distract you with a new world with a new set of rules, that you have to make up.

Switching your focus from your work to another world that you get engaged in like reading resets your creative juices and when you revisit your words you will find so many new ideas and creative solutions to problems.

All because you are looking at your work through new eyes.

3. WRITING IT DOWN

The biggest problem with your writing is not the character’s intentions, story flow, or even how good you are at writing, it’s that you’re not writing enough.

The thing about writing is that when you write enough ideas come to you out of anywhere at any time.

It’s easy to disregard most ideas because of what you have come to expect to do well.

This is missing out on so much value.

An idea not written down is an idea lost.

Write your ideas down when they come to you, and do it often.

In Conclusion . . .

It’s as simple as that.

Your writing WILL get better because you are interested in what you are writing, your ideas are unique and you’re thinking like a beginner.

Enjoy your writing and you’ll make great things, and that’s exactly what we all need.

More good stuff.

Happy Writing 🙂

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Writing Through The Pain: Creativity From Adversity

Writing Through The Pain: Creativity From Adversity

By Eamon on

Life imitates art far more than art imitates life 
-Oscar Wilde

Rather, art imitates the darkest parts of life. Writing is an incredibly vulnerable thing to do as a good story comes from a meaningful experience.

Oftentimes, that experience isn’t a positive one.

The challenges that you’ll inevitably face being a part of the human race can be seen as a tragedy.

But it can also be considered a blessing.

The majority of the greatest works in literary history are based on the reader’s experience.

Embracing Vulnerability

Before you write about your challenges you have to experience them.

A father who just lost their son to a random event doesn’t have the capabilities to get straight on the computer and write a magnum opus.

This is considered rude to some extent.

The first step to learning from your challenges is to experience them.

You need to be vulnerable, take chances, and live because it’s through experiencing your own response to the tragedy that teaches you the most about how humans respond to challenges.

Inspiration from the Darkness

Just like seasoned comic picks through their experiences with the utmost attention to any comedic points, you too must analyze your challenges for the raw and authentic storytelling material within.

Writing is an emotional task. You are experiencing your emotions through giving the experience to another.

So it makes sense that the best stories and inspirations come from an understanding of the darkness.

Embrace the unknown.

Transforming Pain Into Art

Writing serves as a powerful medium for catharsis, providing a safe space to confront and explore the complexities of our deepest wounds.

By putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard, we embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing, unraveling the tangled emotions that accompany adversity and finding solace in the act of creation.

Through storytelling, we can delve into the universal themes of resilience, growth, and redemption, shining a light on the human capacity for strength and transformation in the face of adversity.

By infusing our narratives with these powerful motifs, we offer readers not only entertainment but also inspiration and hope, reminding them that even in their darkest moments, redemption is possible.

In Conclusion . . .

Throughout this journey, we’ve uncovered various techniques for transforming adversity into artistic inspiration.

From embracing vulnerability in our writing to finding inspiration in the depths of our struggles, each strategy offers a pathway to channeling personal challenges into powerful creative expression.

As writers, we mustn’t shrink from adversity but rather embrace it as a catalyst for growth and inspiration.

Every obstacle we face, and every trial we endure, has the potential to fuel our creativity and deepen our storytelling.

So let us approach our writing with courage and resilience, knowing that through adversity, we can unlock new depths of creativity and craft narratives that resonate with authenticity and power.

Happy Writing 🙂

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How to Avoid Burnout and THRIVE as a Writer

How to Avoid Burnout and THRIVE as a Writer

By Eamon on

The way you operate daily is deciding for you how much you will be crippled by burnout.

Burnout is the loss of motivation and feelings of exhaustion surrounding a subject in your life.

It’s easy to get burnt out if you’re not careful, and it’s quite difficult to get out of that pit once you’re in it.

So to avoid this pit trap we are going to discuss some things you can do to avoid getting burnt out and enjoy your writing time.

The Psychology of Burnout

Burnout can contribute to much of the loss of creativity or motivation in any space around the world

It provides a block between what we think we want and what the brain thinks we want.

It makes sense when you think about it.

If you’re spending hours and hours on something, working tirelessly and not achieving any real process you would consider that a waste of time.

Well, so does your brain.

It understands that if you’re spending to much of your valuable energy on something, without progress then it’s going to make you less motivated to do that thing.

This means that we need to find a balance, where our efforts are not in vain and are also in moderation.

Going too hard for too long is the key to getting burnt out; avoiding this is crucial.

Addressing the Problem

Firstly, knowing where you’re headed is a surefire way to avoid burnout.

The brain can do anything if it knows there will be a payoff.

To do this you MUST set goals.

A goal is just a means of expressing what you find important.

Goals that are not aligned with your values WILL burn you out.

Setting Achievable Goals

An achievable goal is the best goal.

Setting a goal that is modified to your situation can be incredibly motivating.

For example,

Broad Goal: Get Ripped

Achievable Goal: Follow a Fitness Routine Built into your life

Specificity and applicability are ESSENTIAL for meaningful goals.

Self-Care Made Less Weird

I feel like self-care has some weird connotations around it but it is actually SO important.

Self-care is taking breaks and relaxation times when you need them.

Many writers overlook this, which is why they often experience burnout when they force themselves to write.

Incorporating Regular Breaks and Relaxation into Daily Routines

Writing can be intense, and it’s crucial to take breaks to recharge.

By scheduling regular breaks throughout the day, whether it’s a short walk, a coffee break, or simply stepping away from the screen, you allow your mind to rest and rejuvenate.

These pauses not only prevent burnout but also foster creativity and clarity when you return to your writing.

Implementing Stress-Reduction Techniques such as Mindfulness and Meditation

Stress is a common companion on the writer’s journey, but it doesn’t have to be debilitating.

Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools for managing stress and cultivating inner calm.

Taking just a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness or meditation can help quiet the mind, reduce anxiety, and enhance overall well-being.

Whether it’s through guided meditation apps, deep-breathing exercises, or simply focusing on the present moment, incorporating these practices into your routine can have profound effects on both your writing and your life.

Managing Expectations

Having expectations that are either too high or too low for your writing can quickly lead to burnout.

Believing your writing means more than it does will make you freeze and procrastinate out of fear.

If you believe your writing means less than it does you won’t feel motivated to write, because it’s not a challenge.

Perfectionism can be a formidable foe for writers, often leading to self-doubt and paralysis.

However, embracing imperfection is the key to unlocking creativity and resilience.

Acknowledging that writing is a process filled with highs and lows frees you from the pressure of unrealistic expectations.

Embrace the imperfections in your writing journey as opportunities for learning and growth, recognizing that each stumble is a stepping stone towards improvement.

In the pursuit of lofty goals, it’s easy to overlook the small milestones and victories that pave the way.

Yet, celebrating these moments is essential for maintaining motivation and momentum.

Whether it’s completing a chapter, receiving positive feedback from a critique partner, or simply sitting down to write on a challenging day, each achievement deserves recognition.

By acknowledging and celebrating your progress, you reinforce a positive mindset and cultivate a sense of accomplishment that propels you forward in your writing journey.

In Conclusion. . .

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to become consumed by the pursuit of productivity, often at the expense of our well-being.

However, true success as a writer encompasses more than just output; it encompasses the holistic health and fulfillment of the individual.

Therefore, as you embark on your writing journey, remember to prioritize both productivity and well-being.

Strive for balance, listen to your body and mind, and be gentle with yourself along the way.

By nurturing both your creative pursuits and your personal well-being, you’ll not only become a more productive writer but also lead a more fulfilling and sustainable life.

So, as you continue on your writing journey, may you find harmony between your creative aspirations and your personal life, and may you thrive in both realms as you pursue your passions with purpose and joy.

Happy Writing 🙂

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Curiosity and the Craft: Writing Through Attention

Curiosity and the Craft: Writing Through Attention

By Eamon on

Your best ideas are all around you it is just a matter of curiosity.

No matter what time of the day, or where you are inspiration can and will always strike.

Not everyone listens to their ideas.

The way the brain works is that a thing called the Thalamus screens everything it’s given through its priorities removes the things that aren’t important and focuses on the rest.

This is why fostering curiosity and attention WILL unlock your best and most creative ideas.

Cultivating Curiosity

For a writer, curiosity is as important as the words you write.

A creative idea CANNOT be created without curiosity.

In this way to become an excellent idea generator you MUST embrace a curious mindset.

Embracing curiosity is being open to new ideas and perspectives, and looking at ordinary things in extraordinary ways.

You grow this curiosity by engaging in your interest.

Research that highly specific thing that interests you.

Pay attention to things you normally wouldn’t.

It’s all about experimentation.

The more you experiment with ideas the higher your chances of landing on an excellent one.

You just need to have the courage to wade through the terrible ideas first.

Unleashing the Creative Potential of Curiosity

Here are a few ways to use curiosity to your advantage:

Generating Ideas: Being Curious to Drive Exploration and Discovery

Embracing curiosity sends us on a journey of limitless creativity.

It is the spark that ignites our creative process, leading us down uncharted paths and unveiling hidden treasures along the way.

By nurturing a sense of wonder and inquisitiveness, we open ourselves to a vast landscape of ideas waiting to be discovered.

Overcoming Creative Blocks: Harnessing Curiousness to Navigate Challenges and Setbacks

In moments of stagnation and doubt, curiosity becomes our most trusted ally.

It empowers us to confront creative blocks head-on, transforming obstacles into opportunities for growth.

By approaching challenges with a curious mindset, we uncover fresh perspectives, innovative solutions, and unexpected revelations.

With curiosity as our compass, there are no dead ends—only new horizons waiting to be explored.

Asking Questions: Using Attention to Delve Deeper into Characters, Themes, and Plots

Great writing begins with curiosity—the willingness to ask questions, probe beneath the surface, and unravel the complexities of our narratives.

By interrogating our characters’ motivations, probing the depths of our themes, and dissecting the intricacies of our plots, we breathe life into our stories and invite readers on a journey of discovery.

Curiosity compels us to seek understanding, driving us ever closer to the truth at the core of our writing.

Tangents and Embracing Curiosity-Led Detours

In the labyrinth of creativity, tangents often lead to unexpected treasures.

We embrace these detours as invitations to explore new terrain.

Curiosity beckons us down winding paths and off the beaten track, where hidden gems and unforeseen insights await.

By surrendering to the pull of curiosity, we embark on a voyage of discovery, charting uncharted territory and forging new connections that enrich our writing beyond measure.

In Conclusion . . .

Curiosity isn’t just a fleeting fancy; it’s the lifeblood of creativity.

Throughout this journey, we’ve witnessed how curiosity fuels idea generation, empowers us to overcome obstacles, and infuses our writing with depth and richness.

It’s the driving force behind every great story, guiding us through the twists and turns of the creative process and illuminating the path to literary excellence.

As writers, we stand at the threshold of infinite possibility; armed with nothing but our insatiable search for knowledge.

Let us approach each blank page with wonder and awe, eager to explore the depths of our imagination and unlock the secrets of storytelling.

By nurturing attention, we open ourselves to a world of endless wonder and possibility, where we await every word as an adventure to write.

In the end, it’s not just about writing; it’s about embracing the journey, embracing the unknown, and embracing the power of curiousness to transform our craft and our lives.

So let us embark on this adventure together, with hearts full of curiosity and minds open to the infinite possibilities that lie ahead.

Happy Writing 🙂

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Improving Your Writing Through Reading
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